The Higher Concept still grinding with 'Tiptoein''

STATEN ISLAND, NY--A positive side effect of not giving up on your dream is that you usually get better at what you're going for.

Admittedly, it's not a guarantee--especially when you're dealing with art, which isn't always like other learned skills. But if you keep trying to learn and grow, keep pushing yourself and working towards a level of consistency and quality, you will at least end up with the satisfaction of producing a high-quality product.

The latest effort by The Higher Concept bears out this truth. The New Springville hip-hop collective has been putting plenty of material out, with varied collaborations, varied levels of success and varied strategies for delivery. "Tiptoein'" represents their latest work and a new tack.

Produced by J. Glaze and featuring singer Michel Aubertin, the tune sticks on a simple set of piano chords and shuffling beat, a reggae-tinged bunch of vocalizations, and harmonized hook. Rapper Matty J opens up the tune, followed by verses by IB Profin and Tekst, delivering the usual mix of raps both thoughtful and wildin' out.

Taken simply alongside THC's other material, "Tiptoein" offers nothing hugely different. But something about the song--perhaps Glaze's production--makes this tune a standout. The hook is tighter, the musical elements are layered and catchy, and overall it's an energetic cut that one could see capturing interest on the song's merrits alone, which is an unusual occurance in 2011.

Debuted on the group's website, the song, offered here as a free download, is apparently a precursor to an upcoming summer release. If "Tiptoein'" is any indication of the other recorded material, it might be THC's best yet.